MISO MAGIC
by Moni Ritchie Hadley
Illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa
Albert Whitman and Company
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8
A young girl learning to make miso discovers that good things can take time. When the first snowfall of the year reaches the foot of the nearby mountain, Chiyoko wants nothing more than to go there and build a snowman. But her father has other plans―there's miso to be made. Papa, Papa's papa, and Papa’s papa’s papa were all miso makers, and Chiyoko is proud to learn about her family’s tradition. But miso making is a long process, and the snow isn’t going to last forever. To make something truly special with her father, Chiyoko will need the most important ingredient of patience.
MY TIDBITS
Every step, both miso making and working with family, is like a warm hug.
Chiyoko wants to build a snowman, since the snow now glistens at the foot of the nearby mountain, but her father insists there's more important things to be done first. Walking in the footsteps of generations of miso making, Chiyoko's father decides its time for her to learn the family business. But miso takes time to make it just right. Step by step, Chiyoko and her father go through the process, and while Chiyoko was reluctant to help at first, the magic begins to lure her in, too.
There's so much goodness in these pages. A young girl wishes to head outside to build a snowman and grows frustrated when her father, instead, has her accompanying him to the business to learn to make miso. It's easy to sympathize with Chiyoko as she helps her father work with the rice, especially since none of the steps are quick. Creating Miso takes time and patience...neither of which bring her to the snow. The change in Chiyoko's attitude follows a gentle flow and allows the love her father has for her to come across clearly. The sense of family is inspiring, and Chiyoko's growing respect for the company's business leaves a smile on the face.
And then, there's miso. While Chiyoko's experience offers warmth and security, readers also learn more about miso and how it's created. The text flows smoothly as it shortly goes through each step, but it's the illustrations which bring this aspect across best. Not only does the process gain clarity through the visual scenes, but the Japanese culture comes across nicely. It's enjoyable to gaze at each one and follow Chiyoko's learning journey.
This makes a lovely read-aloud and can also be explored by those readers, who have a very decent grip on their words.
And here she is...
Moni Ritchie Hadley is a Los Angeles-based children's book author who draws inspiration from her dual Japanese and American upbringing. She is the author of the forthcoming MISO MAGIC, THE STAR FESTIVAL, a 2022 Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, and ANZU AND THE ART OF FRIENDSHIP. Moni is a former Bruin, home/hospital teacher, and a lifelong daydreamer and learner. Find out more about her at moniritchie.com.
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